Explore the range of CAA medicals offered at Heathrow Medical

CAA medicals

The medicals required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are divided into three categories – Class 1, 2, and 3 – and as a fully CAA-approved Aero-Medical Centre, we are able to offer them all. Each of the CAA medicals assesses the physical fitness of either commercial or private pilots, but the right medical for you will depend upon your particular role within the industry.  

So, take a look at the CAA medicals we offer and check which one is the right one for you before booking your appointment.  

Initial CAA Class 1 Medical  

The Class 1 Medical is a comprehensive medical examination that all commercial pilots operating in the United Kingdom, including airline transport pilots and multi-crew pilots, are required to attend. Once this examination is completed, pilots are given a Class 1 certificate that needs to be renewed every 12 months to maintain their compliance.   

Whilst this class of medical is specifically required by the Civil Aviation Authority, the content of the medical itself is similar to the Initial EASA Class 1 Medical in terms of what assessments it involves. These checks include:   

  1. A discussion of your medical history 
  2. A comprehensive physical examination  

And if you are an initial candidate, you will also be required to undergo the following:  

  1. A haemoglobin and cholesterol finger-prick test 
  2. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) examination 
  3. An eyesight test and an audiogram 
  4. A lung function (spirometry) test  
  5. A urinalysis (urine test) 
  6. A saliva drug and breath alcohol test  

The examination is usually completed within 4 hours, and our medical examiners will issue you with your medical certificate on the day if all requirements are met. We are here to meet the standards of the CAA but we are also here to support you in your career and help you access the medical assistance that you need – so, if you have any family medical history or recent diagnoses make sure that you let us know when booking your appointment 

Class 2 Medical  

Any pilot who holds a valid private pilot licence must have an in-date Class 2 certificate before they can exercise the privileges that this licence affords them. This includes those who hold balloon and sailplane pilot licences and intend to use them for commercial operations, as well as commercial pilots who are involved in non-commercial operations. 

Just like a Class 1, this class of medical confirms an individuals’ fitness in compliance with industry regulations by checking the following:  

  1. Your medical history, including which previous medicals you have attended 
  2. Whether you have ever been denied a medical certificate or had it suspended or revoked 
  3. Your eyesight and hearing  
  4. Your heart health via an Electrocardiogram if required 
  5. Your blood pressure  
  6. Any medication that you are currently taking 

Class 2 certificates are valid for two to five years depending upon the age of pilot and need to be renewed before they expire, so book an appointment at our AeMC today to maintain your certification.  

Class 3 Medical 

The final CAA medical is needed by all individuals who hold an air traffic controller licence, including all those who are training to become a controller. If this applies to you, please note that you will need to obtain this medical certificate in order to receive your licence, so make sure that you schedule your appointment soon to avoid any delays 

Both the initial and renewal assessment may include the following checks:  

  1. A review of your medical history and any current medical conditions 
  2. A physical examination including an Electrocardiogram and a lung function test 
  3. A hearing test and eyesight check 
  4. Cholesterol tests and a urine test (if needed) 
  5. A haemoglobin test (clinical indication only) 

A Class 3 medical will look different for you at different times in your life, as the initial assessment will include all of these checks but they will only need to be done again after you turn 30, and then again after you turn 40. The renewal period also changes from every 2 years to every 12 months once you turn 40, so if you have any questions about this important medical we will be happy to answer them ahead of your appointment.  

What should I bring to the CAA medicals? 

You will need to bring the following documents with you to any CAA appointment:  

  1. Your passport as proof of identity 
  2. Any documentation detailing your personal medical history  
  3. A printout of your GP summary medical history  
  4. Your current eye prescription and corrective lenses, if needed 

You will also need to register with the CAA’s online portal well in advance of your examination, so we recommend that you do this at least 10 days before your appointment to prevent any delays.  

Please get in touch with our team if you have any questions about any of the CAA medicals that we offer.  

Booking your CAA medical at Heathrow Medical 

As a fully CAA-approved AeMC we offer all of these medicals, including initial and renewal assessments, in one place. So, no matter which CCA medical you need, click here to view our prices and availability ahead of your next appointment.  

Aviation Medicals
Previous reading
What’s involved in the OGUK medical?
Next reading
Understanding our full range of work medicals